Shop Hop News…

   The Fourth Annual Quilter’s Quest Shop Hop is almost here. Do you have your route mapped out? Are your yardage needs and fabric swatches for your current and future projects ready to go? What is easy about year’s Quilter Quest is that all the shops are geographically convenient and can be easily completed in one day!
To make the hop really enticing this year, the Grand Prize is absolutely terrific. It’s a weekend quilting retreat for four (valued at $900.00) at The Brickhouse Quilting and Gifts. http://www.brickhousequilting.com/  in Lockport!  Among the other prizes include a $350 gift certificate from each shop and a $50 gift basket from each shop. 
For a really fun day, try to give yourself enough time to look at each shop and see the difference in patterns, books, and of course fabric. You can always bring along your calendar in case you find that quilting class you’ve been looking to take this fall. And most importantly, have a great day!

This year’s Quilter’s Quest Shop’s are:

•  Auntie’s Attic 2043 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14304.
     716-297-3636. www.auntiesatticquiltshop.com 
•  Heartland Quilt Shop 7121 Ridge Rd. Lockport, NY 14094
  716-433-3188. www.heartlandquiltshoponline.com     
• Marie’s Sewing Center 6310 Robinson Rd. Lockport, NY 14094
  716-434-2583. www.mariessewingcenter.com
• Pine Grove Quilt Shop 2962 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217
   716-873-0774. www.pinegrovequiltshop.net  
• Quiltmaker and Friends 4716 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14305
   716-297-4067.
• Sew What? 6816 Main St. Williamsville, NY 14221
  716-632-8801. www.sewwhatquiltshop.com
• Threads of Time 3125 Sheridan Dr. Amherst, NY 14226
  716-837-1372. www.totsewing.com

Retreats are a fabulous way to spend time with friends and fellow quilters, and the lucky Grand Prize winner will enjoy one at the Brickhouse Quilting and Gifts. This restored Victorian home near the historic farmland of Royalton, New York is in a beautiful country setting and would be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Quilt retreats can accomplish many things. You can start a new group project for a meaningful charity or finish a project you already started at your retreat. If group projects aren’t for you,  each quilter can bring their own project (s) to work on and quilt away the entire weekend. It’s always amazing to see how much quilting gets done and all the little secrets and tips you pick up from your friends while sitting next to them and sewing. Good luck to all you hoppers!
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If you don’t win the grand prize during the Quilter’s Quest, but are interested in a quilt retreat/adventure, you can find one in Geneseo, New York. The Autumn Adventure 2010 Quilting and Machine Embroidery Retreat looks to be a lot of fun. Some of the teachers include; The Midwest YaYa Sisters, Rita Farro & Mary Mulari, HoopSisters Instructor Marilyn Gatz and Janome Educator Maddie Bushman. 

This retreat starts Friday, October 8 – Sunday, October 10, 2010. There is a Trunk Show and Banquet at the Quality Inn 4242 Lakeville Rd, Geneseo, NY on Friday and Saturday nights respectively, and classes will be held at the Genesee Country Christian School 4120 Long Point Rd, Geneseo, NY. For more information contact Debbie Beach at 585-658-2828 ext.133 (The ARC of Livingston-Wyoming) or visit www.lwarc.org. You must pre-register for this event.

Fall Class Schedule

Our fall class schedule is all ready. We have some really exciting things to offer and some old favorites too. You can sign up a few different ways: online at www.sewwhatquiltshop.com; call the shop at 716-632-8801; stop in (and vote on the challenges) or check out our page on Facebook.

Here is a look at some of our classes:

Beginners Quilting by Hand
Teacher:  Ann Shaw
When:  Tuesday’s Sept. 28th – November 2nd         
Time:  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM OR 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost:  $50.00  
       
We’re the only store in the area that still teaches the basics by hand, and trust me; this class will make you a much better machine quilter.  Emphasizing accuracy and a well rounded basic knowledge of all aspects of the craft, we make a four block sampler from start to finish, including a hand quilting class.
Please note this is a 6 week course!

More information and reservations, click here
Orphan Quilt
Teacher:  Cheryl Kagen
When: Saturday October 16th
Time: 10:00  AM  – 3:00 PM
Cost:  $30.00
              
Calling any quilter who has blocks leftover from classes! Or anyone who has started to assemble a quilt and now has partial rows or sets of blocks! Have you ever started a quilt where something went wrong, leaving you with parts of blocks? Do you have bits and pieces of fabric projects clogging your drawers and shelves? Have you participated in an “exchange” but don’t know what to do with the blocks?  These are your “orphans”. Learn to make a one-of-a-kind quilt that will take these tidbits and turn them into a fabulous keepsake.   ANYTHING from leftover strips sewn together to partially finished quilts up to about 36″ square will work – nothing with batting please.

More information and reservations, click here

Double  Wedding Ring The Quick Smart Way
Teacher:  Linda Fike
When:  Wednesday October 6th and 20th
Time: 10:00  AM  – 1:00 PM
 Cost:  $30.00

The double wedding ring, with its curved piecing and intricate cutting has proven too frustrating for many quilters but the Quicksmart method can provide both novices and experts with an easier, less aggravating, less exacting method to achieve a beautiful result.  The quick smart way uses printed fusible interfacing to eliminate curved piecing.  Best of all, to make one of these prized quilts is an attainable goal.
Please note this is a two week course.

More information and reservations, click here

Upcoming Events & Shows

Westfield Quilters Guild presents The Fabric of Our Lives Quilt Show 2010

 Friday and Saturday- September, 10th and 11th – 10:00am – 5:00pm
 Sunday- September, 12th 12:00 noon
 Admission $4.00
Westfield Exempt Firemen’s Hall
75 Bourne Street
Westfield, NY
United Methodist Church of North Chili presents its Annual Quilt Show

 Friday- September 17th, 9:00 am – 6:00pm
 Saturday- September 18th, 9:00 am – 5:00pm
2200 Westside Dr. at Buffalo Road
North Chili, NY
585-594-9111
Admission $4.00 or $3.00 with food donation

Amherst Museum Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Seminar

 Wednesday – Saturday, September 15-18, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 
Amherst Museum
3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd
Amherst, NY 14228
716-689-1440 

Some of the teachers in this year’s quilt seminar include Sue Nickels, Debbie Caffrey, Marilyn Broad, Ann Baer and many more.

On Wednesday September 15 at 7:00pm there will be a lecture given by Sue Nickels that is open to the public. Her topic is Machine Quilting; Tips and Tricks. $8.00 fee/public; no charge/guild members; $4/museum members.

Kenmore Quilter’s Patch presents “If Quilts Could Talk” Quilt Show

Friday and Saturday, October 1 – 2, 10:00am – 5:00pm
St. Bartholomew’s Church  
2368 Eggert Rd
Tonawanda, NY 14150
$5.00 donation

Morningstar Quilt Guild

Friday October 1, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday October 2, 10:00am – 3:00om
St. Mattias Episcipal Church
374 Main St  (corner of maple)
East Aurora, NY
Admission: $5.00

Quilter’s Gallery

The 20th Anniversary Challenge Quilts are now hanging in our Quilters Gallery for the month of September. We hope everyone who comes into the shop will stop in the back room and vote, and you can vote as many times as you come into the shop. We are excited to  see who the Viewer’s Choice will be and so will they. Their prize will be a $100.00 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters of their choice.  Four additional prizes of 20 fat quarters will also be awarded. Stop in today and vote.

Become one of our many fans on:

     Facebook 

Sew What’s News?

The Sew What Challenge’s have been collected and I can’t wait for you to see the final collection of projects!  We will be starting the viewer’s choice voting on August 1st, and continuing until September 30th.  If you have a project that you didn’t quite finish, hurry and finish it and we will put it up.  You may miss some of the first few days of voting, but yours will be so fabulous that a couple days won’t matter! 

Also, check out the full list of classes listed on the website, which has descriptions as well as color photos of the projects.  Or better, you can come see the real things on display at the store.

Don’t forget we are air conditioned!  As hot as it has been this last month, it has been very comfortable to just wander around and check out all the new fabrics.  We have some great new novelties in, including ballet, pizza, green beans, wizards, frogs and lots more.  Why not pick up some fabric along with a pillowcase pattern for that quick gift birthday or hostess gift you’ve been looking for. Make the “birthday biker” happy or that sophisticated hostess feel extra special today!

Summer Classes

Computer/Tote Class – Calling all confident quilters!! We still have room in our Computer/Tote class. This tote has spacious compartments, zippered pockets and is ideal for quilt seminars, school or even that laptop you never know how to carry.  Join Mary Margaret Symanski on Saturday August 21 AND 28 2010, from 10:00 to 3:00. The cost of this class is $30.00 and it is designed for intermediate quilters. 
Click here to reserve your seat online!

One Block Wonder – Using one fabric and one shape you create your own artistic quilt. It is amazing how the fabric does the work for you, especially if you enjoy making stack and whack quilts. It is a fluid design, so there is no pre-determined size of your finished quilt. We still have spots open on Saturday August 14, 2010 from 10:00 – 3:00 with Linda Davis. Cost $30.00
Click here to reserve your seat online!

Quilter’s Tip

If you make your binding and last border at the same time, here is a great idea that keeps your binding wrinkle-free, neat and where you can see it.  Use a Christmas light “ladder” to gently wrap your binding around it. If your husband is handy, you might ask him to make one for you. A single ladder can hold several bindings for all size quilts. If you aren’t able to put the binding on right away, put it in a labeled plastic bag and store it. Then you can attach the binding whenever it is convenient for you.

Upcoming Events

Impact Artist Gallery
Tri Main Building – Suite 545
2475 Main Street
Buffalo, NY
Wednesday’s – Friday’s 11 am to 4 pm; Saturday’s – 1 pm to 4 pm
July 14 – August 14, 2010
Impact Artist Gallery will be displaying and selling works of 30 fiber artists from Western New York.  Cheryl Kagen, one of our very own quilters, as well as Linda Reinagle and lots of others are showing (and better…selling) some of their pieces.  Grab this opportunity to get something hand made for a gift or for yourself.  There is a wide variety of styles to choose from, so make an afternoon of it!

4th Annual quilters quest
Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
Friday, September 10, 2010 – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Grand Prize is a Weekend Quilting Retreat for four at
The Brickhouse ($900 value),
First Prize is $350 in Shop Gift Certificates,
Additional Prizes – one of the seven give baskets valued at $50 each

 Visit all 7 shops, have your passport stamped and be entered to win!

 Auntie’s Attic
2043 Military Rd.
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
www.auntiesatticquiltshop.com

Marie’s Sewing Center
6310 Robinson Rd.
Lockport, NY 14094
716-434-2583
www.mariessewingcenter.com

Quilt Maker and Friends
4716 Military Rd.
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
716-297-4067

 Heartland Quilt Shop
7121 Ridge Rd.
Lockport, NY 14094
716-433-3188
www.heartlandquiltshoponline.com

Pine Grove Quilt Shop
2962 Delaware Ave.
Kenmore, NY 14217
716-873-0774
www.pinegrovequiltshop.net

Sew What?
6816 Main St.
Williamsville, NY 14221
www.sewwhatquiltshop.com
Threads of  Time
3125 Sheridan Dr.
Amherst, NY 14226
716-837-1372
www.totsewing.com

 If Quilts Could Talk Quilt Show

St. Bartholomews Ang. Church
1368 Eggert Road
Town of Tonawanda, NY 14150
October 1 & 2, 2010
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Donation: $5.00

UMC of North Chili

Annual Quilt Show
United Methodist Church
2200 Westside Dr.
at Buffalo road
North Chili, NY
September 17, 9 AM to 6 PM
September 18, 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $4.00
$3.00 with food donation

Girls Night Out!

August 27, 2010
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Enjoy an evening out with other quilters. Order take-out or bring your own dinner. The cost is only $8.00. Don’t Forget!

Girls Night Out is a monthly event at Sew What? & is always held on the last Friday of the month!

See you there!

Individual & Group Lessons Available!

Need guidance with a quilting project? Stuck in a rut and can’t move forward? Call or stop by to make an appointment!$15.00/ hour for 1–2 quilters. $10.00/ hour for 3 or more, per quilter.

This year’s 7th Annual Western New York Shop Hop was the biggest ever with over 500 quilters hopping. That means there were 24,000 2 ½’ jelly roll strips ready when you each walked through our shop door and collectively we gave away over 1500 yards of fabric!! We were thrilled A Whole Nine Yards, Chestnut Bay Quilting, and Heartland Quilt Shop joined the shop hop for the first time this year, which added extra flavor to the event. We hope you all had as much fun as we did and can’t wait for next year’s event.
As you can see from the list below, the winners were from many different towns. We had lots and lots of excellent prizes; so many that each of you had a one in fourteen chance of winning. We hope that you or one of your friends got a call!

Patricia Cuzzacrea from Lockport is the Grand Prize winner of the Janome sewing machine.

The $50 gift certificate winners from each store are:

Marie’s Sewing Center – Sandra Ellis, Blasdell; Carriage Quilt Shop – Pat Sitek, Kenmore; The Whole 9 Yards – Vickie Williams, Kent; Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company – Nancy Dutka, Depew; Sew What? – Edie Fedele, Spencerport; Heartland Quilt Shop – Betsy Speer, Hilton; Betty’s Quilting Etc – Lillian Lunetta, Lockport; Aurora Sewing Center – Judy Depferd, Brockport; Aurora Sewing Center ( W’ville) – Dolly Schmitt, Darien Center; Ivy Thimble- Karen Jordon, Barker; Country Treasures – Beth Hatch, Henrietta; Chestnut Bay Quilting – Marion Nappo, Varysburg.

The Gift Basket winners from each store are:

Gift bag winners from each store are:

Summer Class Schedule

Our summer classes are in full swing and we are having a ball.

Classes with spots still open include:

• Mary Margaret Symanski is teaching the Computer/Tote bag on two Saturday’s in August 21st   and 28th from 10:00am – 3:00pm  For  more advanced quilters

• MerriJann Miller is teaching a new and different class and technique – what to do with all those selvage edges!! Come learn a unique way to use up your selvages in our Selvage Quilt class from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday July 24th.

• A unique “unstoppable” Rose Corsage that looks beautiful coming right out of a suitcase! Come and sign up for this with Diana Brock on from 10:00am – 1:00pm Friday July 9th.

Project Linus

Project Linus provides quilts, flannel blankets, Afghans, crocheted or knitted blankets to children whom are suffering from a serious illness, family or personal tragedy,  and or homelessness. You can help by making a quilt or blanket, donating 100% cotton fabrics in bright colors, donate yarn or low loft batting, donating a gift card to your favorite quilt shop or yarn store and so much more. For more information on Project Linus of Erie & Niagara County New York you can contact Christine Lewandowski at 716-627-3883, or email her at Buffalo.NY@projectlinus.org or go to their website at www.projectlinus.org.

Girls Night Out!

Friday July 30th

6:00 p.m. – ??

Enjoy an evening out with other quilters. Order take-out or bring your own dinner. The cost is only $8.00. Don’t Forget!

Girls Night Out is a monthly event at Sew What? & is always held on the last Friday of the month!

See you there!

Individual & Group Lessons Available!

Need guidance with a quilting project? Stuck in a rut and can’t move forward? Call or stop by to make an appointment!$15.00/ hour for 1–2 quilters. $10.00/ hour for 3 or more, per quilter.

Sew What? Challenge…

The Sew What Challenge deadline is August 1st.  The whole idea here is that you all make some sort of project reflecting on how Sew What, or quilting in general, has touched your lives.  I have heard from lots of people saying they have great ideas and everyone is getting excited.  You can do ANYTHING YOU”D LIKE as long as it is no bigger than 50×50” and no smaller than 20X20”.   The two supplied fat quarters must show on the front of the project somewhere, as showy or subtle as you choose.  Come On, it will be FUN!!!  Besides, the prize is not too shabby; being $100.00 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters of your choice.  Four additional prizes of 20 fat quarters will also be awarded.    Please participate, the more finished wall hangings we can have on display the more fun it will be.  The fat quarters and rules are merely $3.00, available at the front counter.

7th Annual Western New York Shop Hop

The 7th Annual Western New York Shop is here. This year will be bigger and better than ever. A Janome sewing machine valued at $799 is the Grand Prize this year, and you have a 1 in 15 chance of winning prizes that total over $2,000! It gets even better – each store has a prize basket and a $50 gift certificate to give away. Here are the details:

Thursday June 9 – 13, 2010 * Wednesday – Friday 9am – 7pm * Saturday 9am – 5pm * Sunday 12 pm- 4pm

• Aurora Sewing Center – www.aurorasewingcenter.com
  659 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14042 716-652-2811
• Aurora Sewing Center – www.aurorasewingcenter.com
  8575 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 716-204-8350
• Betty’s Quilting Etc – www.bettysquiltingetc.com
  42 Nicholas Street (Rt. 31) Spencerport, NY 14559 585-352-9362
• Carriage Quilt Shop – www.carriagequiltshoppe.com
  593 Main Street East Aurora, NY 14042 716-655-4561
• Chestnut Bay Quilting – www.chestnutbayquilting.com
  3128 Main Street Main Street Caledonia, NY 14423 585-538-4420
• Country Treasures – www.Countrytreasuresquiltshop.com
  61 Main Street Brockport, NY 14420 585-637-5148
• Heartland Quilt Shop – www.heartlandquiltshop.com
  7121 Ridge Road Lockport, NY 14091 716-433-3188
• Ivy Thimble – www.ivythimble.com
  5 Railroad Street Victor, NY 14564 585-742-2680
• Marie’s Sewing Center – www.mariessewingcenter.com
  6322 Robinson Road Lockport, NY 14094 716-4342583
• Mt Pleasant Quilting Company–www.mtpleasantquiltingcompany.com
  2877 Mt. Pleasant Road York, NY 14592 585-243-0767
• Sew What? Quilt Shop – www.sewwhatquiltshop.com
  6818 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-8801
• The Whole Nine Yards – www.Thewholenineyards.orleanslife.info
  513 Main Street Medina, NY 14103 585-798-1309

Receive (4) 2 ½” strips of fabric at each shop.  If you hop to all 12 shops you will receive total of 48 strips.  When you hand in your passport at your last stop, you will receive a FREE pattern using the strips!

Sew What’s Quilters Gallery

In June, Camille Klein’s quilts are showcased in the Quilter’s Gallery. Camille began over thirty years ago when she came home from a trip to Appalachia. Her very first quilt was a Farmer Boy appliqué with raw edge blanket stitch.  Camille took her first quilting class at the Town of Tonawanda Adult Education program with Linda Hunter making a sampler. She was hooked! Her passion is hand piecing and hand quilting. When she isn’t working full time or quilting, she enjoys gardening, biking, skiing and reading.
When you display your quilts in our gallery it gives everyone who comes into the store, and the entire quilting community an opportunity to view your talent and see the vast array of local quilting styles, colors and techniques. While quilts are on display, photos will be taken and a CD created so you can maintain a record of your exhibition.  During the month you display your quilts, you will receive a 20% discount in the store. We welcome all levels to participate in this exciting opportunity! Call the store to sign up for an upcoming month. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sew What’s New?

Our shop is bursting at the seams with fabric ready and waiting for your new spring projects. The new Little Hot Rod panel and accompanying fabrics are perfect for that little boy in your life and the Monopoly prints are fabulous! The shops selection of Batiks is the biggest around, so come in and see what we have for you.  While you’re in the shop, you can take a look at the Spring/Summer class schedule (almost ready!)which looks to be very exciting, with classes for every level of quilter.  We hope you’ve started your Sew What? Challenge quilt – because a few quilters have told us they’ve completed theirs already!!

Sew What? Challenge…

We encourage everyone to participate in the SEW WHAT? CHALLENGE!  This challenge is to design a small finished project that reflects how Sew What? has touched your life or your craft over the years. We have challenge fabrics, two fat quarters, in the Sew What? Challenge Pack for $3.00.  The deadline is August 1st.  The judging will be by viewer’s choice, and the first prize is $100.00 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters.  Four other viewer’s choice winners will win 20 fat quarters each, so you have a great chance of winning!  All the staff is very excited about this project, and we can’t wait to see what you can come up with!

Sew What? Quilters Gallery…

MerrieJann Miller is April’s quilter of the month.  As a Home Economics teacher in the Buffalo City School’s from 1967 – 2000, MerrieJann was able to fund most of the quilting curriculum in her classroom. This ensured every student would be able to participate in a quilting project. Mrs. Miller’s love of quilting enabled her to challenge herself and students. One endeavor involved collecting and assembling quilt blocks from 7-12 graders throughout Buffalo City schools then presenting the completed tied quilt to the superintendent.  MerrieJann continues to quilt and teach today and considers herself a “topper” of sorts.

When you display your quilts in our gallery it gives everyone who comes into the store, and the entire quilting community an opportunity to view your talent and see the vast array of local quilting styles, colors and techniques. While quilts are on display, photos will be taken and a CD created so you can maintain a record of your exhibition.  During the month you display your quilts, you will receive a 20% discount in the store. We welcome all levels to participate in this exciting opportunity! Call the store to sign up for an upcoming month. We look forward to hearing from you!

Upcoming Events…

STOP BY & VISIT ANN AT THIS SHOW!

Amherst Museum Quilters Guild presents:

“A Sea of Quilts.”

April 23 – 25, 2010
Friday     4/23 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 4/24 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday   4/25 – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Amherst, N.Y.  (www.amherstmuseum.org)

Other Quilt Area Quilt Shows

Crittenden Presbyterian Church Quilt Show & Chinese Auction presents:

“Country Kitchen Quilt Show and Chinese Auction”

April 9 – 10 , 2010

Friday        4/9    – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday   4/10 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Crittenden Presbyterian Church

3320 Crittenden Rd. * Crittenden, N.Y (Near Alden, N.Y.)

Girls Night Out!

Friday April 30th

6:00 p.m. – ??

Enjoy an evening out with other quilters. Order take-out or bring your own dinner. The cost is only $8.00. Don’t Forget!

Girls Night Out is a monthly event at Sew What? & is always held on the last Friday of the month!

See you there!

Check Out Our New Sit Upon

It sure to ease back pain during classes and in your sewing room… It’s purple too!

Individual & Group Lessons Available!

Need guidance with a quilting project? Stuck in a rut and can’t move forward? Call or stop by to make an appointment!$15.00/ hour for 1–2 quilters. $10.00/ hour for 3 or more, per quilter.

.

Sew What Quilt Shop
6816 Main Street
Suite 109
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716)632-8801
E-mail: Sewwhat@sewwhatquiltshop.com

Thanks to everyone who participated in our 9th annual FAT QUARTER TUESDAY sale!  We had another successful event and had a great time!  With that event over, we look forward to our very full and intriguing class schedule.  Please take a second to check out our class list on the website www.sewwhatquiltshop.com and take a look at our excellent lineup of classes.  Magic Melons has been very popular, Curvy Squares is a great new class, and I think everyone should take the Theory of Color.  If there is ever a class you would like to take, suggest it to us and we will see what we can do to accommodate your interests.  Also, If you ever need help or are stuck on a project, we offer one on one individualized classes for $15.00 per hour.

Sew What? Challenge…

We hope everyone takes opportunity to participate in the SEW WHAT? CHALLENGE!  This challenge is to design a small finished project that reflects how Sew What? has touched your life or your craft over the years. We have challenge fabrics, two fat quarters, in the Sew What? Challenge Pack for $3.00.  The deadline is August 1st.  The judging will be by viewer’s choice, and the first prize is $100.00 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters.  Four other viewer’s choice winners will win 20 fat quarters each, so you have a great chance of winning!  All the staff is very excited about this project, and we can’t wait to see what you can come up with!

New Fabrics at Sew What?

Spring Classes…

Title: Magic Melons
Location: SewWhat? Quilt Shop
Instructor: Joanne Witjes
Description: 1 quilting class
Date: 2010-03-06
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Cost: $30.00

This dimensional quilt is different and so much fun to make. When we offered thispopular class last semester, everyone’s fabric choices looked great. Plaids, primitives, brights, pastels and florals all were successful choices. Try this fun ‘quilt as you go’ method, use up batting scraps, and end up with an original and excellent quilt.

Title: Curvy Squares
Location: SewWhat? Quilt Shop
Instructor: Diana Brock
Date: 03-16-2010
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Cost: $30.00

Use an acrylic template to make these gentle curves squares without pins. Circles are then applied on top using fusible appliqué for an added splash of color.

Title: The Theory of Color
Location: SewWhat? Quilt Shop
Instructor: Kathe Hill
Date: 04-17-2010
Start Time: 10:00
End Time: 2:00
Cost: $25.00

Do you feel insecure in choosing colors for a quilt? We’ll de-mystify that color wheel. Come for a rundown of tips and tricks to boost your confidence and spark your creativity. You’ll learn how hue, value, intensity, and temperature can add zing to your quilts. We’ll cut and paste some fun exercises, and you’ll go home with tools to continue the color journey.

Quilter’s Gallery…

This month our Quilters Gallery will be a tribute to Mary L. Trinkus who passed away suddenly in January.  Mary was an avid quilter and beloved member of our Sew What? community.  She was a special education teacher who had been mentioned in Who’s Who for American Women for three years in a row.  She was much sought out as a substitute teacher well into her retirement.  Her wonderful sense of humor, bohemian creativity, generosity, compassion and love for others made Mary a unique person.  She is painfully missed by all of us.  Come see her quilts in the Sew What? Quilters Gallery throughout the month of March and share with us this tribute to our friend.

When you display your quilts in our gallery it gives everyone who comes into the store, and the entire quilting community, an opportunity to view your talent and see the vast array of local quilting styles, colors and techniques. While quilts are on display, photos will be taken and a CD created so you can maintain a record of your exhibition.  During the month you are displaying your quilts, you will receive a 20% discount in the store. We welcome all levels to participate in this exciting opportunity! Call the store to sign up for an upcoming month. We look forward to hearing from you!

Upcoming Shows and Events…

Wow!  We hope you all enjoyed our 20th anniversary party!  Thanks to everyone who came and sent their best wishes. We all had a great time. There were lots of door prizes, food and frivolity. I appreciate your support!

Fat Quarter Tuesday…

With one event down, we are focusing on the next.  FAT QUARTER TUESDAY is on TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16 this year.  Our hours are 9-7pm and fat quarters are $1.25, batik fat quarters are $1.75!  This serious discount will be available ONLY on that day, so make sure you put it on your calendar today!

Sew What? Challenge…

We also would like to encourage everyone to participate in the SEW WHAT? CHALLENGE!  This challenge is to design a small finished project that reflects how Sew What? has touched your life or your craft over the years. We have challenge fabrics, two fat quarters, in the Sew What? Challenge Pack for $3.00.  The deadline is August 1st.  The judging will by viewer’s choice, and the first prize is $100.00 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters.  Four other viewers’ choice winners will win 20 fat quarters each, so you have a great chance of winning!  All the staff is very excited about this project, and we can’t wait to see what you can come up with!

Sew What? Spring Quilting Classes…

Our SPRING CLASSES are hot off the press and ready for sign up! We’ve listed a few below to get your creative juices flowing.  There are many more to choose from like Kinetic Energy for both beginners and experienced quilters, Bento Baggu – how to make cute little handbags, and for the first time – The Theory of Color – an interesting class demystifying the color wheel and making you a pro at picking your colors your next project.

Title: Double Wedding Ring Quilt
Date: 02-03 & 10, 2010
Start Time: 10:00
End Time: 3:00
Cost: $30.00

RINGS THAT BIND is a process in quilt construction created by Cheryl Phillips. We begin with simple strips sewn into strip sets. Using an Arc-Ease tool we’ll cut arcs from strip sets and sew them into rings. The rings will appear to have been made with many tiny pieces, these are then sewn onto backing circles and then flipped to the other side much like a facing in clothing construction. When the blocks are sewn together and top-stitched, your quilt is finished.

Title: Stones of Franklin
Date: 02-24 & 03-10, 2010
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 9:00
Cost: $30.00

Join us, as we make our own contribution to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, with this reproduction pattern. Although it appears complicated, we’ll look at ways to make construction easier using products on the market today. Your choices of color and fabric will make it unique.

Title: Twisted Log Cabin
Date: 02-02-2010  OR  03-26-2010
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Cost: $30.00

This quilt is paper pieced, and is no where near as hard as it looks. The model is made at 50% of normal size but don’t let that scare you. There are full size blocks available for those not bitten by the “miniature” bug and you can certainly make the whole project in the larger size. The wonderful thing about paper piecing is the accuracy, so even even complicated looking patterns like this one are easily attainable by all.

Frequent Buyer Cards Policy:

At Sew What? Quilt Shop, we offer a frequent buyer the chance to get a discount.  As little as five dollars spent will count, entitling you to add your purchase totals together. When you’ve reached $250.00 in purchases, we give you a $25.00 gift certificate. The gift certificate equates to a ten percent discount on everything you buy! However, store policy states that is it the CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY to ask for the card to be punched and it MUST happen at the time of purchase. We try to remember to remind you, but surely you can understand that sometimes we get distracted and forget.  Ultimately, it is the customer’s responsibility. If you have forgotten your card, we can simply start you another one, and you can combine all the totals.  The gift certificate can be used for any full price retail item in the store next time you come in! Sale items, classes, and services DO NOT APPLY.

Become one of our many fans on Facebook:

Girls Night Out!

Friday February 26, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00
Enjoy an evening out with other quilters. Order take-out or bring your own dinner.

The cost is only $8.00.

Don’t Forget!
Girls Night Out is a monthly event at sew what? & is always held on the last Friday of the month!
See you there.

Twenty Years!

Twenty years. Twenty years…already??? It hardly seems possible! I was so young and naïve when I started this business. I had been teaching elementary school and hating it. My friend Pat talked me into turning my hobby into a business, and Sew What? was born. My first store was a small, dark, back room of what had been a restaurant.  The ceilings were low and there wasn’t much lighting. Space was at a premium, with the book racks for the cross stitch pamphlets taking up the majority of the room in the store. A little table area welcomed classes. There were two small walls for fabrics and two free standing racks that fit a few more bolts. It was very small, but I put my whole heart into it. I remember applying for the business loan (I wore a blue three piece suit) and placing my first fabric order. Oh, how scared I was! I had no idea what I was getting myself into!

Those first few years were a learning experience. I learned about scheduling, record keeping, inventory and ordering, as well as late payments and creditors! I made models by the dozen and offered them in classes. I opened at 9 in the morning staying open until 9 at night. I was open on Sundays, and watched most of the playoff games during the super bowl years by myself at work. I moved in with my dad to save on the mortgage, and picked up a second job (cleaning an office building) that I kept for the next 10 years. I took classes in art that have helped my quilting immensely. Slowly, the business grew and my customers started becoming friends. I adapted some things I had learned to refine my business, closing on Sundays and opening at 10am.

I was comfortable this way until 1999 when my landlord informed me they planned on demolishing my building. Options at this point included “Go Big” and “Go Home,” meaning go get a job with a nice paycheck on Fridays (a novel idea). Stressing and worrying did no good, and I decided I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t give “Go Big” a try, so I looked for a new home for Sew What?  We landed in our current spot, partly because the landlord didn’t care if I brought my dog, Bailey, to work with me. She was used to coming to work and would have really been unhappy if her circumstances were to change. The new space is twice as large, with MUCH better lighting and display areas.  We have an entire room devoted to the classes. I bought the professional quilting machine as a part of the “Go Big” plan. I was one of the first in the area with the longarm, and that part of the business has been very successful.

Overall, I am thrilled that I chose to stick it out.  The friends I have made over the years and the creativity that I have sparked mean more to me than you can imagine.  I love the thought that this little shop, that I created, out of my own hard work and stubborn refusal to quit, has touched many lives, enriching them by adding color and creativity. Twenty years has flown by. Looking at the photos of my grand opening party, and comparing them to what the store has become, I have to admit I’m proud of it. I would never have been able to make it this long without the contributions of many, many people. My customers, new and old, have made this an excellent experience. My family and friends, who nursed me through the tough times, encouraged me in the scary times, and cheered me in the bountiful times. And of course my mom and dad, both gone now, but without whose influence Sew What? Would never have been possible.  Thank you all for the crazy ride!  I’ve had a blast, and will continue to try to provide high quality goods at reasonable prices to add color and creativity to all of our lives.  Thank you!!!

I’d like to invite you all to celebrate my 20th anniversary, so please join me on Sunday January 10, 2010 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.  I’ll have quilter’s giving demonstrations; there will be prizes and drawings, wine and cheese and more!

Quilters Gallery

Our featured Quilter of the month will of course be Ann Shaw. Ms. Shaw’s talent, creativity and patience make her an ideal quilter and teacher. Without Ann’s guidance, there would certainly be fewer quilters in the world!
When you display your quilts in our gallery it gives everyone who comes into the store, and the entire quilting community, opportunity to view your talent and see the vast array of local quilting styles, colors and techniques. While quilts are on display, photos will be taken and a CD created so you can maintain a record of your exhibition.  During the month you are displaying your quilts, you will receive a 20% discount in the store. We welcome all levels to participate in this exciting opportunity! Call the store to sign up for an upcoming month. We look forward to hearing from you!

Spring Class Schedule

To peak your interest, here are just a few of the classes we are offering  this spring. You can also view the entire spring schedule at  www.sewwhatquiltshop.com

Double Wedding Ring

Claudia Kaufmann
Wednesdays –February 3rd and 10th 2010
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $30.00

.

Kinetic Energy

Diana Brock
Tuesday – March 9th, 2010
10:00am – 3:00 pm
Cost $30.00

Bento Baggu

Janet Perc
Saturday – March 27, 2010
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $30.00

Don’t forget about the 2010 Challenge!

We’d like you to make a quilted project that reflects how Sew What? has influenced you or your craft over the years.  It could relate to the
20th Anniversary, or  Celebration, or reflect something learned or
experienced since Sew What? opened in 1990.   It could ruminate about classes, teachers, friends, events, or whatever your imagination allows.  You can purchase the Challenge fabric in the shop. More information on this on our website: www.sewwhatquiltshop.com

Girls Night Out!

Friday January 29, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00
Enjoy an evening out with other quilters. Order take-out or bring your own dinner.

The cost is only $8.00.

Don’t Forget!
Girls Night Out is a monthly event at sew what? & is always held on the last Friday of the month!
See you there.

Become one of our many fans on Facebook:

Did you know your iPhone has great quilt apps!

QUILTFAB is a calculator for backing, binding and borders!

Sew What Quilt Shop is celebrating its 20th Anniversary!

This week long celebration begins on Sunday January 10, 2010, with Ann’s Anniversary Party from noon to 5 pm.  At Ann’s Anniversary celebration, there will be exciting demos and chats with some of our fabulous local artists, door prizes, wine and cheese and more. Plus, if you bring in our postcard, your name will be entered in drawing for more fabulous prizes. Monday January 11, 2010 begins a week long 20% off all books sale ending on Saturday January 16, 2010.

ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE 2010

A note from Ann:

Sew What? Quilt Shop is celebrating its 20th ANNIVERSARY on January 10, 2010.  I like to believe that quilting makes an impact on each of us who love it and enriches our experiences in life.  Hopefully, Sew What? has participated in your development as a person and as an artist. We’ve been open a long time, taught hundreds of classes, hope we’ve been a positive influence on you. So we issue this challenge: We’d like you to make a quilted project that somehow reflects how Sew What? has influenced you or your craft over the years.   It could relate to the 20th Anniversary, or Celebration, or reflect something learned or experienced since Sew What? opened in 1990.   It could ruminate about classes, teachers, friends, events, or whatever your imagination allows.

Rules:

Each participant receives two fat quarters of store supplied fabric for the cost of $3.00. These two fabrics MUST be visible in the final project.  There are no restrictions about how many other fabrics could be used, in what quantities, or what techniques the project utilizes.
Overall dimension of final project must be at least 80” in circumference (example 20’’W x 20’’L) and not exceed 200” (example 50’’x 50’’.) There are no restrictions regarding final shape (square, rectangular, whatever.)

A paragraph explaining the relationship between the project and the theme needs to be included when the project is handed in.
Entries must be delivered to the store by August 1, 2010, and will remain on display anonymously until October 1st, 2010.  During this time, customers will be asked to vote on their favorite.  A vote count will be tallied on October 1st, 2010, and the overall people’s choice winner will receive a $100 gift certificate and 20 fat quarters of her choice.  Three additional people’s choice winners will be awarded 20 fat quarters of their choice.  The quilts will remain on display with identities revealed until November 1, 2010.

All of us at the shop are very excited about this idea, and hope everyone participates.   As the shop owner, I have the best job ever.  I get to help create thousands of projects and meet fantastic people.  I thank you all for helping me have a career I can be proud of.  I know I’ve participated in helping develop all your wonderful quilts, even if it’s in a minor way, but you can’t imagine the appreciation I feel as a participant in YOUR lives.

Gift Guide

The holidays are fast approaching and we have more gift ideas for you. Two Chick Designs has a “Quilting Girls Gone Wild” t-shirt that is a real hoot, as is their “Queen of the Unfinished Projects” Can Coolie for the quilter who has everything. Don’t forget about that special man in your life and get him his own “My Wife Quilts, therefore I am Broke” Can Koozie. He will be the envy of all his friends!!

Quilters Gallery

Our featured ‘Quilter of the Month’ program is still going strong! December’s quilter is Bonnie Frey. Bonnie began her sewing career at 12, and has been going strong ever since. She loves creating beautiful thoughtful quilts, using many different methods for a fabulous finished project. Bonnie’s love of quilting prompted her to fulfill her dream of opening Brick House Quilting; a retreat and workshop for quilters.
While your quilts are on display, the entire quilting community benefits by viewing your talents and observing the vast array of local quilting styles, colors and techniques. During your show, photos will be taken and a CD created so you can maintain a record of your exhibition. Another advantage of our ‘Quilter of the Month’ program is the 20% off discount in the store you receive while your quilts are in the gallery.  We welcome all levels of quilters to participate in this exciting opportunity.  Call the shop to sign up for an upcoming month.

Upcoming Shows & Events

Quilts=Art=Quilts

29th Annual Juried Quilt Exhibit
Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center
Now through January 10, 2010
205 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021
(315)255-1553  mailatschweinfurthartcenter.org
“The Art Center has long recognized the importance of quilts as a
visual medium, and has been presenting quilts in an art gallery setting
since 1981.”

Individual & Group Lessons Available!

If a project is not “cooperating,” or you want to brush up on a few techniques, give us a call. We offer individual and/or group lessons at Sew What? One or two in a lesson -$15/hour; three or more in lesson – $10.00/ hour.

Tip of the Month:

If you’ve ever wanted to use bed sheets to back your quilt – STOP! Here’s the thing; sheets have a high thread count and when quilting, the needle pushes and breaks these threads as it goes through the fabric. This in turn s holes in your backing and destabilizes your sheet. Use quilting fabric